Utilities

Utilities including natural gas, power, and water are necessary expenses to consider for both homeowners and renters. Communities in south east Alberta boast some of the lowest rates in the country.

Electrical Power
The City of Medicine Hat Electric Utility has been supplying the electrical power needs of the city since 1904. The Medicine Hat power plant, electrical transmission and distribution systems are owned and operated by the City. Rates for electrical energy are set by City bylaws. In addition to supplying the requirements of Medicine Hat, the Utility's service area includes Redcliff, Dunmore and some of the surrounding rural areas. The City's Power Plant was the first utility-owned, combined cycle co-generation plant in Canada.

The successful completion of the General Electric LM6000 gas-fired turbine is a testament to the City's mission to exceed expectations with our services. The main goals in deciding to undertake the $53 million project were to meet the demands of our Electric Utility customers, improve power plant efficiencies to reduce fuel costs and reduce environmental emissions. In 2004, the City saved $3.7 million in operating costs compared to the older turbine the LM6000 replaced.

The Electric Utility entered into an agreement with Canada's largest generator of wind energy - Vision Quest - to annually produce and deliver 13,050 megawatt hours of wind power to Alberta's energy grid. Like other consumers of electricity, Medicine Hat has access to this environmentally friendly energy source through its electric energy imports from the grid. Going Green fits with the City's Nature's Best Program, which encourages the production of renewable energy sources, the wise use of natural resources and safeguarding the environment.

There are 3 classes of rates for business, commercial, industrial and institutional consumers based on the level of usage: General Service Rate [Class E.3.1]; General Service Rate [Class E.3.3]; and Primary Metered Rate [Class E.4.1]. Contact the Medicine Hat Electric Utility at (403)529-8262 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on City Services to follow the links to the Utility Services Division for more information on rates and classifications .

Natural Gas
The City of Medicine Hat Gas Utility has been supplying the community with natural gas since 1901. The City operates a fully integrated production and distribution system. The department operates gas wells in fields within Southeastern Alberta and in Southwestern Saskatchewan.

Rates for gas supply to industries are set by bylaw or special contract. In addition to supplying the requirements of Medicine Hat, the Utility's service also includes the Town of Redcliff and some surrounding rural areas.

Contact the Medicine Hat Gas Utility for information on usage rates and classifications at (403)529-8190 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on City Services to follow the links to the Utility Services Division.

Water Supply
Industrial processing water is supplied by the South Saskatchewan River and an underground aquifer. The water treatment plant [for South Saskatchewan River] has a plant capacity of 205 million litres per day.

Water and sewer user charges are set by bylaws. If you wish to obtain more information please phone (403) 529-8176 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on City Services to follow the links to the Utility Services Division.

Waste Management
Medicine Hat's secondary sewage treatment plant has a capacity of 45,000 cubic metres/day. The city's effluent is well below the province's standards.

Solid waste management and a recycling program are managed by the City and the rates are set by City bylaw. If you wish to obtain more information please phone (403) 529-8176 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on City Services to follow the links to the Utility Services Division.

back to top